Wide-Open-Throttle

Are you ready for the rush?

After more than a decade of service at the nation’s largest Hydra-Sports / Deep Impact / Jupiter dealer, I’ve come to the realization that since the popularity explosion of multi-outboard engine applications, the most common question I hear from prospective boat buyers here at the dealership and at boat shows is something to the effect of, “Is there really more to triple outboards than just the “WOW” factor?

Those who ask this question have obviously never ridden in a triple engine high-performance center-console. If they had, they wouldn’t be asking because flying across the surface at nearly 70 mph leaves quite the lasting impression.

Nevertheless, many owners looking to move up are still confused over the actual advantages of a third engine. Are there real-world benefits? Are there any downfalls? Hopefully, the following information will help shed some light on the subject and assist prospective buyers in making educated purchasing decisions.

Last year, our dealership alone sold well over a hundred triple engine powered center-consoles and mid-size expresses. The vast majority of these were purchased by experienced anglers looking for increased power and greater top-end speed. Highly competitive fishermen want to get there quick, and they want to get there first! But tournament competitors are not alone. We also saw an increase in triple outboard configurations to buyers who literally do not own a single piece of fishing tackle. I’m telling you this because despite increases in fuel costs, higher insurance rates and a could-be-better boating industry, sales of triple engine applications are on the rise.

Are you ready for the rush?
For those considering getting behind the wheel of this much power, operator experience level comes into play. Driving off in a sleek open-fisherman with nearly a thousand horses strapped to the transom isn’t exactly the ideal platform for first-time boaters looking to “learn the ropes.” The majority of buyers are experienced boaters who have owned and operated multi-engine powerboats in the past. Now, that doesn’t mean that a boat tricked-out with trips can’t be your first rig because it can, but a high level of boating experience is, in fact, highly encouraged.

Like any other feature or accessory, excess power and speed come with a cost. Versus a twin engine power-plant on the identical platform, the addition of a third 250 or 300 horsepower outboard engine tacks on somewhere in the neighborhood of $25K to $30K above and beyond the original sticker price. In addition, any way you cut it, three engines consume more fuel than two. This explains the increased fuel capacity now available on large center-consoles. Be prepared for higher insurance premiums as well. Not only is the value of the boat greater, but insurance companies automatically “assume” triple outboard powered boats are inherently more dangerous. Finally, it is safe to count on a 33% increase in overall engine maintenance costs.

One misconception floating around is that with three outboard engines rather than two, owners greatly increase the likelihood of costly engine repairs. This may have been true in years past, but I have been in the boating industry for most of my adult life and today’s state-of-the-art 4-stroke outboard engines are far more advanced, far more reliable and far more mechanically sound than ever before. While we’re selling a great deal more multi-engine packages than in years past, we’re also seeing a drastic decrease in major service claims with fewer power-head and lower unit repairs. This could only be attributed to the high standards outboard engine manufacturers are adhering to.

Prospective buyers considering triples do so with the goal of achieving maximum horsepower and maximum performance. Few, if any buyers select triple 200s, when twin 300s can provide the same level of performance. Rather, they opt for the vessel’s stated maximum horsepower rating- usually selecting triple 250s, triple 300s or the latest craze, triple 350s. Word is 400hp outboards may not be too far off.

Typically, with a triple engine application, the port and the starboard counter-rotating motors feature 25-inch shafts while the center engine- which turns clockwise- bores through clean water with its 30 inch shaft.

Performance data when comparing twin outboards to triple configurations can vary wildly. Many factors come into play including sea conditions, weather, onboard weight, etc. However, just some food for thought; we performed extensive testing with two identical 33 ft. center-consoles. One was rigged with twin 250s, and the second with triple 250s. Testing was done simultaneously in identical conditions with nearly the same weight onboard. We were looking for mid-range speed, top-end speed, and fuel consumption-the works. Tests revealed that on average, helmsmen could expect an overall increase in wide-open-throttle speed of up to twelve miles per hour. Overall, fuel consumption was, of course, greater at higher RPMs with three engines rather than two, although because your speed over water is actually faster, you’ll arrive at your destination in less time.

The deal with installation and rigging…
The installation process with triple outboards –vs. - a twin engine configuration is a topic that must not be overlooked. Three outboard engines obviously require more room than two do. With all that added power also comes added weight, especially since the introduction of 4-stroke outboard engines which, horsepower-to-horsepower, are heavier than their 2-stroke counterparts. The vessel’s transom must be capable of withstanding this extra weight and extra power. Today’s leading boat manufacturers have literally gone back to the drawing boards and redesigned many of their original models to sufficiently accommodate the latest multi-engine configurations. If the make and model that catches your eye at a local dealer or boat show is available with triples, chances are it was designed for maximum performance with upgraded power. This may not be true for older, pre-owned hulls which have recently been re-powered, so buyers beware.

Mechanical and electrical rigging need to be taken into account. Controls alone are a factor for triples and can either be user-friendly dual lever electronic controls or manual, six lever racing-style controls. Both have benefits, yet the manual racing controls such as those manufactured by Gaffrig are the type you’ll see the most of.

Let’s not overlook dash space. Super-helms are now specifically designed with ample dash space for three and sometimes even four full sets of gauges. Fortunately, gone are yesteryear’s analog gauges. Today’s digital dashes are complete multi-functional vessel and engine monitoring systems. Engine temp, oil pressure, fuel flow rate, engine hours, tank levels- everything is monitored with visual and audio alarms. The operator is even kindly reminded of scheduled maintenance.

Steering systems have also been modified and upgraded to accommodate third engine applications. Larger batteries and advanced battery management systems are now commonplace. Today’s technologically-advanced outboards are electronically computer controlled. Coupled with digital control stations and monitoring systems, the thirst for juice climbs sequentially. While a typically four battery system may get the job done, with any amount of accessories, most owners realize the benefits of an upgraded five or six bank isolated system.

Don’t be intimidated though. Operating a boat powered by three outboards is not much different than operating a boat powered with twins. With triples, you’ll quickly notice that because the counter-rotating outside engines are spread apart, the vessel’s response time is much more accurate- making maneuvering in tight quarters a breeze.

In actuality, many of the center-consoles on display with triples can, in fact, be rigged and sold with twins and the vessel will provide outstanding performance and handling characteristics. Regardless, there are make-sense benefits for choosing a third engine. There’s the “WOW” factor, which for many of us, alone outweighs the additional cost. Any sporty center-console tricked out with triples is a real head-turner. They feel great. They perform great, and they simply look great!

Increased speed is a real-world benefit. The extra speed is fully appreciated when outrunning an oncoming storm or when racing to the scales to beat the clock. Increased range, reliability and safety must not be ignored either. With any two of the three engines, the boat can effortlessly climb on plane and get you back to port safe and sound. In the end, the choice between a twin and triple engine application is yours. As long as you make an educated decision, you’ll be making the right decision. Either way, you’ll be on the water!

Florida Sport Fishing would like to thank Eddie and the crew over at Plantation Boat Mart for their contributions. Located on the water in Tavernier, the family-owned dealership has been providing unparalleled customer service to the boating community for more than a decade. Visit them on the web at www.PlantationBoat.com.